The matchups for the "K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Open Weight Asian Qualifier," scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at the Edion Arena Osaka, have been revealed. The winner of these four bouts will earn a place in the K-1 WORLD GP 2024, set to take place on December 14.
Besides expected contenders like former K-1 Cruiserweight Champion {Sina Karimian} and Japanese veteran {Seiya Tanigawa}, the biggest surprise in the lineup is the return of the "uncrowned king," {Jérôme Le Banner}.
The kickboxing legend faced off against iconic fighters such as Peter Aerts, Ernesto Hoost, Mike Bernardo, and Andy Hug during the golden era of K-1. After the dissolution of the original K-1 organization, he continued competing in both MMA and various other martial arts events. Now, at 51 years old, the Frenchman is making his return to the K-1 ring to face K-Jee, the second-ever K-1 WORLD GP Cruiserweight Champion.
The three other qualifying bouts will be made up of {Errol Zimmerman} against {Shota Yamaguchi}, a rematch between between bitter rivals {Sina Karimian} and {Claudio Istrate}, and {Seiya Tanigawa} against {Kwon Jangwon}.
THE REST OF THE FIELD
Earlier this year, {Ariel Machado}, {Rhys Brudenell}, and {Miloš Cvjetićanin} secured their tickets to Japan by winning qualifying tournaments held across the globe.
Rounding out the field of eight competitors is {Liu Ce}, last year's Openweight Grand Prix champion and the newly crowned K-1 Cruiserweight Champion.
Source: beyondkick.com